Six years...reflection...
I responded to a post yesterday and stated that I'd been on OH about 5 years. Afterwards I checked, and I am going on my 6th anniversary here (will be in January). I have seen so many changes on here since that time....
January 2003. This board was DEAD. There might have been two posts per month. It took alot of effort of alot of people to make this into the board it is today. At that time, the RNY was still being done 'open', very few people had been long-term successful with the lap-band, and DS was unheard of. A year or so later, I heard of a local site. It's ironic given the posts of late on here, but I quit going to that site because they were obviously cliquish and St. V's was the only hospital that they recognized as being worth two cents. It was very much their way or the highway (it is also the reason I quit going to the support group meetings...it was nothing but an hour and a half advertizement for that site and the mediators of the site would be allowed to take over every meeting).
I have never strayed from OH since. I also tend to be partial to the Indiana board. At least there's a chance of me being able to meet the people on this board!
The ornament exchange coming up marks another anniversary. It will be my 4th one. At the first one, there were only Linda Kay, Julie, Deb, Angie, and myself. Linda Kay hosted it and it was a cozy chic time. Sure...I was uneasy about going. I had never met these people. They all knew each other and I was the 'odd man out'. But I was willing to put myself out there and meet them. I have never regretted that. Those ladies will always hold a special place in my heart. This event this year is projected to have +50 in attendance at Floyd & Brenda's. How's that for growth?
The following February, I hosted my first hot tub & hot tea party. I think there were 8 of us total. I met Ellen then. She and I just hit it off so well. I also met Jody..the most successful lab-bander I know! All of the women had a wonderful time. The following year, there were over 20 participants (male & female both!). Sadly, last year..and problably this year, it was put on hold because of my own health issues.
There have been several activities (camp-outs, amusement park, dinners, clothing exchanges) since those early days. The number of people just keeps blossoming. It is so wonderful to see. It is so wonderful for those of us who were here back in 2003 to be able to experience this growth.
With growth however, often comes growing pains. New people come who don't realize what all we may have been through to bring us to the point that we are at today. I am so very close to Brenda & Floyd. They live nearby, we visit often...as often as we can. All we have to do is call them and they are there for Bill & I. I am close to Gail, Ellen, Linda V, and Marianne. They were there for me when I was in the coma last year and as I fought to recover from it. That's not being cliquish. That's called being friends. And as new people come into the group? We try to open our arms and welcome them to the fold. I am so looking forward to the ornament exchange so I can meet some of these new ones! Tracy...you just seem like an absolute sweetheart! I can't wait to meet you in person!
And distance from each other is only a minor inconvenience. Jacque, Misty, LaChelle (and others) all live on the southern part of Indiana. We've been blessed by being with them at Holiday World, shopping trips at Edinburg, or pre-arranged dinners. Hope, Karen, Cheryl, Brenda R all live on the north side of the state and we had a blast at the camp-out in Middlebury every year. Do I feel blessed by living in Indy? Yes...because that makes it easier for me to get to each end of the state (when my health allows).
I personally don't care what surgery you have had. There is no easy way out no matter if you have lab-band, RNY, DS, or lose it by sheer will-power. They all have risks of complications. Now...if you ask a question about DS, I won't be able to post a reply only because I am totally ignorant about it and would not be able to contribute to helping you at all. As far as I'm concerned though the name of this site is OBESITY Help...not Weight Loss Surgery Help...not RNY Help...not DS Help...Not Lap Band help.
I personally don't care what surgeon you had or what hospital you went to. Brenda & Floyd didn't even have their's here in Indiana. Several on the board has gone to hospitals in Ft. Wayne, or Louisville. Go where-ever your insurance allows you to go. When I go to respond to a post, the ONLY reason I would even check that is so that I can be sure not to give advise that I KNOW would counter what your surgeon/nut is telling you. There are probably just as many post-ops anymore from Clarion as there is from St. V's here. And you know..it does not matter. All you can do is the best you can do with where you are going through. We all should be basically being told the same thing anyway: Chew your food, sip your drinks, get in your liquids & protein, eat high protein/low fat/low cards, and walk. That should hold true no matter what surgery you had, what surgeon you had, or what hospital you had.
Over these years, I have gotten very attached to the people on this board. Am I closer to some than others? Sure. You're gonna get that no matter what. Do I have room in my heart for others? I sure hope I never run out of space for more friends. So what advise do I give people new to OH and to the Indiana board? Open your mind. Open your heart. When you have those little seeds of doubt, shove them aside. This is a terrific board..and it's a terrific group of people. We are adults though...and we expect people to be adults and understand that those who have known each other for 6 years are going to naturally joke around more with each other than they would you since they don't know you yet and wouldn't want to offend you. You are only going to get out of your experience here on the board what you are willing to put into it. The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it.
Sherri
ps..If you are new here and are wondering why I am so very close to some of my friends here, read my profile. I've been through alot...and I did not have to go through it alone.
January 2003. This board was DEAD. There might have been two posts per month. It took alot of effort of alot of people to make this into the board it is today. At that time, the RNY was still being done 'open', very few people had been long-term successful with the lap-band, and DS was unheard of. A year or so later, I heard of a local site. It's ironic given the posts of late on here, but I quit going to that site because they were obviously cliquish and St. V's was the only hospital that they recognized as being worth two cents. It was very much their way or the highway (it is also the reason I quit going to the support group meetings...it was nothing but an hour and a half advertizement for that site and the mediators of the site would be allowed to take over every meeting).
I have never strayed from OH since. I also tend to be partial to the Indiana board. At least there's a chance of me being able to meet the people on this board!
The ornament exchange coming up marks another anniversary. It will be my 4th one. At the first one, there were only Linda Kay, Julie, Deb, Angie, and myself. Linda Kay hosted it and it was a cozy chic time. Sure...I was uneasy about going. I had never met these people. They all knew each other and I was the 'odd man out'. But I was willing to put myself out there and meet them. I have never regretted that. Those ladies will always hold a special place in my heart. This event this year is projected to have +50 in attendance at Floyd & Brenda's. How's that for growth?
The following February, I hosted my first hot tub & hot tea party. I think there were 8 of us total. I met Ellen then. She and I just hit it off so well. I also met Jody..the most successful lab-bander I know! All of the women had a wonderful time. The following year, there were over 20 participants (male & female both!). Sadly, last year..and problably this year, it was put on hold because of my own health issues.
There have been several activities (camp-outs, amusement park, dinners, clothing exchanges) since those early days. The number of people just keeps blossoming. It is so wonderful to see. It is so wonderful for those of us who were here back in 2003 to be able to experience this growth.
With growth however, often comes growing pains. New people come who don't realize what all we may have been through to bring us to the point that we are at today. I am so very close to Brenda & Floyd. They live nearby, we visit often...as often as we can. All we have to do is call them and they are there for Bill & I. I am close to Gail, Ellen, Linda V, and Marianne. They were there for me when I was in the coma last year and as I fought to recover from it. That's not being cliquish. That's called being friends. And as new people come into the group? We try to open our arms and welcome them to the fold. I am so looking forward to the ornament exchange so I can meet some of these new ones! Tracy...you just seem like an absolute sweetheart! I can't wait to meet you in person!
And distance from each other is only a minor inconvenience. Jacque, Misty, LaChelle (and others) all live on the southern part of Indiana. We've been blessed by being with them at Holiday World, shopping trips at Edinburg, or pre-arranged dinners. Hope, Karen, Cheryl, Brenda R all live on the north side of the state and we had a blast at the camp-out in Middlebury every year. Do I feel blessed by living in Indy? Yes...because that makes it easier for me to get to each end of the state (when my health allows).
I personally don't care what surgery you have had. There is no easy way out no matter if you have lab-band, RNY, DS, or lose it by sheer will-power. They all have risks of complications. Now...if you ask a question about DS, I won't be able to post a reply only because I am totally ignorant about it and would not be able to contribute to helping you at all. As far as I'm concerned though the name of this site is OBESITY Help...not Weight Loss Surgery Help...not RNY Help...not DS Help...Not Lap Band help.
I personally don't care what surgeon you had or what hospital you went to. Brenda & Floyd didn't even have their's here in Indiana. Several on the board has gone to hospitals in Ft. Wayne, or Louisville. Go where-ever your insurance allows you to go. When I go to respond to a post, the ONLY reason I would even check that is so that I can be sure not to give advise that I KNOW would counter what your surgeon/nut is telling you. There are probably just as many post-ops anymore from Clarion as there is from St. V's here. And you know..it does not matter. All you can do is the best you can do with where you are going through. We all should be basically being told the same thing anyway: Chew your food, sip your drinks, get in your liquids & protein, eat high protein/low fat/low cards, and walk. That should hold true no matter what surgery you had, what surgeon you had, or what hospital you had.
Over these years, I have gotten very attached to the people on this board. Am I closer to some than others? Sure. You're gonna get that no matter what. Do I have room in my heart for others? I sure hope I never run out of space for more friends. So what advise do I give people new to OH and to the Indiana board? Open your mind. Open your heart. When you have those little seeds of doubt, shove them aside. This is a terrific board..and it's a terrific group of people. We are adults though...and we expect people to be adults and understand that those who have known each other for 6 years are going to naturally joke around more with each other than they would you since they don't know you yet and wouldn't want to offend you. You are only going to get out of your experience here on the board what you are willing to put into it. The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it.
Sherri
ps..If you are new here and are wondering why I am so very close to some of my friends here, read my profile. I've been through alot...and I did not have to go through it alone.
AT GOAL!!
http://www.myspace.com/sweetsherri61
Never allow someone to be your Priority while allowing yourself to be their Option......
Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway...
Sherri,
Thank you so much for sharing. The board has been a blessing for me. It's nice to know some of the growing pains it has gone through.
Congratulations on your successes and have patience with your trials(which I know you do).
Keep posting.
Carol
287 /271 /154 /130-150
Heaviest/Day of Surgery/Current/Goal
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Eleanor Roosevelt
Heaviest/Day of Surgery/Current/Goal
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Eleanor Roosevelt
Sherri, I have been blessed to find this board. I have met one person in person and anxiously look forward to meeting more (you especially). I have a couple of work friends who have walked this journey that I am about to and it's great to be able to talk to them, but coming on here and getting lots of different perspectives is fabulous! I have been very blessed to find this board and look forward to being on the losers bench and answering newbies questions very soon!
Surprise MIRACLE baby boy, Noah Andrew, born March 24, 2010
Check out my WLS blog at: www.melissawlsjourney.blogspot.com
Check out my WLS blog at: www.melissawlsjourney.blogspot.com
Sherry
When i first considered rny i came to the Indiana board and i met Deb whom i just loved I met Linda and Dan and Ann and Lachelle ,Ulisha and of course Janeen and Gail at a clothing exchange...
Im so looking forward to meeting you and the others.
I thank you for all you have done for us the secret elf and making sure we our all invited to lunch or what ever you have going on..
I wished i lived closer i have family in marion county but we dont get to visit much...But everytime i come up that way can i give you a holler?
My cousin is having her surgery on Jan 6th at clarian so we will be in town for a few days (i wonna be with her)so maybe we can do lunch than.
Does it still hurt for you to have hugs cause id sure like to give you one when i see you,i feel like you all our my sisters and brothers i cant wait to see whats going on in your lives and tell you about mine.lol
So thank you Sherry for everything...
When i first considered rny i came to the Indiana board and i met Deb whom i just loved I met Linda and Dan and Ann and Lachelle ,Ulisha and of course Janeen and Gail at a clothing exchange...
Im so looking forward to meeting you and the others.
I thank you for all you have done for us the secret elf and making sure we our all invited to lunch or what ever you have going on..
I wished i lived closer i have family in marion county but we dont get to visit much...But everytime i come up that way can i give you a holler?
My cousin is having her surgery on Jan 6th at clarian so we will be in town for a few days (i wonna be with her)so maybe we can do lunch than.
Does it still hurt for you to have hugs cause id sure like to give you one when i see you,i feel like you all our my sisters and brothers i cant wait to see whats going on in your lives and tell you about mine.lol
So thank you Sherry for everything...
Lisa,
You are welcome (as is everyone else) to give me a call when ever you'd like! If you post on here where/when you'll be in town, there are several of us who would try to make it to meet up with you!!!
On Jan. 6th...I'll be back to work so lunch will be hard to do. I work on the south side, Clarion is on the north side. But...maybe we all can get together for dinner that night? how does that sound? There are several wonderful places to choose from on north Meridian...so it'd be easy for out-of towners to find & get to.
Right now, it does still hurt to hug..but we can try a gentle one! LOL!
Sherri
You are welcome (as is everyone else) to give me a call when ever you'd like! If you post on here where/when you'll be in town, there are several of us who would try to make it to meet up with you!!!
On Jan. 6th...I'll be back to work so lunch will be hard to do. I work on the south side, Clarion is on the north side. But...maybe we all can get together for dinner that night? how does that sound? There are several wonderful places to choose from on north Meridian...so it'd be easy for out-of towners to find & get to.
Right now, it does still hurt to hug..but we can try a gentle one! LOL!
Sherri
AT GOAL!!
http://www.myspace.com/sweetsherri61
Never allow someone to be your Priority while allowing yourself to be their Option......
Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway...
Oh man! It looks like I must've missed some drama! I always miss the good stuff.....teeheee.
I don't know anything about what has been going on because I haven't been on here in a week or more I think. I don't know if I'll have time to catch up either. I just want you to know that I love you Sherri and so many others on this site. I am about as far away as can be and still be in Indiana but I have made so many wonderful friends on here. I intend to make even more! I was without a support group for the longest time and this Indiana room helped me stay sane and on track. I know my progress wouldn't be as successful without all of the wonderful people on here. Sooooo......with that being said....
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I am so thankful for for the wonderful gift of your friendship! KNOW I LOVE YOU!!!
Smooches,
Jacqui
I don't know anything about what has been going on because I haven't been on here in a week or more I think. I don't know if I'll have time to catch up either. I just want you to know that I love you Sherri and so many others on this site. I am about as far away as can be and still be in Indiana but I have made so many wonderful friends on here. I intend to make even more! I was without a support group for the longest time and this Indiana room helped me stay sane and on track. I know my progress wouldn't be as successful without all of the wonderful people on here. Sooooo......with that being said....
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I am so thankful for for the wonderful gift of your friendship! KNOW I LOVE YOU!!!
Smooches,
Jacqui
Sherri,
Just now reading the posts for the past week and wanted to respond to this one even if it's late.
I am so grateful that the few who persisted in keeping this site alive succeeded. Even though I have only met a few of the people on here, I feel like they are neighbors and friends. Sure, some closer than others, but that is to be expected no matter where you are.
I was so blessed to have Floyd and Brenda enter my life, the opened so many doors to friendship and this site was one of them. The Clarian group was another. They are such wonderful people. Through them I have met you, Dawn, Ellen, Mariah, Annette, Jacqui, Antonette and others. I had just moved back to Indy after spending almost 30 years away
Even though I don't post often, I do visit the board to try and keep up with what's going on in lives. I would like to get together with the group more often because I did enjoy meeting for dinners and parties. Seems like since I moved to WEstfield life just got busier and too many conflicts. BUT I have reserved Dec 6 for the ornament exchange, I will not miss that one! I look forward to meeting new faces and making new friends.
I appreciate so much the wisdom and advice so freely given by you and others. I know I have people here who accept me for who I am, pray for me, care about me and only want the best for all of us.
Thank you Sherri for being such a fantastic role model.
Julie
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